Mobile Menu Open Mobile Menu Close
back back back

Publications Archive

Search by:

Identification of an optimal sampling position for stable isotopic analysis of bone collagen of extinct moa (Aves: Emeidae)

Notornis, 58 (1), 1-7

R.N. Holdaway; D.J. Hawke; M. Bunce; M.E. Allentoft (2011)

Article Type: Paper

Stable isotopic (δ13C; δ15N) analysis of bone collagen and other refractory biological materials is a mainstay of palaeoecological research, but comparability between individuals depends on homogeneity within the sample specimens. Long bones of extinct New Zealand moa display lines of arrested growth that reflect prolonged development over several years, leading to potential systematic inhomogeneity in stable isotopic enrichment within the bone. We tested whether the isotopic content within a Euryapteryx curtus tibiotarsus is homogeneous by measuring δ15N and δ13C values in 6 adjacent 1cm-diameter cortical bone cores arranged along the bone axis from each of the proximal and distal ends. We then measured isotopic ratios in 5 radial slices of a core from the mid-shaft of a Pachyornis elephantopus tibiotarsus to see if there was any depth (ontogenetic) effect at a single sampling point. The δ13C value increased with distance from the proximal bone end, but neither δ13C nor δ15N values in samples from the distal end of the bone were correlated with position. Within mid-shaft cortical bone, the δ13C value decreased with depth but δ15N values were constant. Sampling the entire depth of cortical bone from the caudal surface at the distal end of the tibiotarsus, if feasible, therefore provides a spatially homogenous material, free of maturation effects on stable isotopic composition. If for any reason that position cannot be sampled, the outer (radial) layer at the mid-shaft can be substituted.

Dynamics of behavioural rhythms in a colonial, nocturnal, burrowing seabird: a comparison across different temporal scales

Notornis, 58 (2), 81-89

T.J. Landers; C.A. Bannock; M.E. Hauber (2011)

Article Type: Paper

There have been few studies on the temporal patterns of social behaviours and how they relate to timing of life history stages in nocturnal colonial bird species. This study focuses on the threatened Westland petrel (Procellaria westlandica; Procellariidae), to investigate temporal patterns in colonial interactions, including vocalisations and social behaviours, in the context of petrel sociality. We conducted extensive behavioural observations on the colony at different time-scales (throughout single nights, between seasons, and across years) to characterise the temporal dynamics of at-colony behaviours. These analyses show consistent temporal variation in several behavioural attributes (e.g., social interactions, vocalisations, eyes closed, body movements), with little or no temporal variation in others (e.g., self maintenance or stationary behaviours). These data provide the basis for specific predictions to test the role of social interactions between temporally varying vocalisations and social behaviours in nocturnal colonial birds.

The impact of electrocution on the New Zealand falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae)

Notornis, 57 (2), 71-74

N.C. Fox; C. Wynn (2010)

Article Type: Paper

In a 5 year radiotracking study of 55 falcons on the Wairau Plain, Marlborough, the causes of death in 21 birds were identified. Of these, 10 (47%) falcons were electrocuted (7 juvenile females, 1 adult female, 1 juvenile male, and 1 adult male). Seven of the 10 poles were fitted with transformers. This level of mortality is thought to be too high to sustain a population of falcons. Suggestions are made how to mitigate the problem.

A census of variable oystercatcher (Haematopus unicolor) in the Marlborough Sounds

Notornis, 57 (4), 169-172

M. Bell (2010)

Article Type: Paper

A total of 730 variable oystercatchers (Haematopus unicolor) were recorded during a survey of the entire 1,500 km coastline of the Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand in spring 2006. This included 347 breeding pairs, 28 single birds and a non-breeding flock of 8 birds. The distribution of oystercatchers was influenced by habitat and human development, with fewer birds found in the inner sounds, where there is most development, and in the exposed outer coastline, where cliff or boulder habitat is limiting. Using similar methods of coastal surveys during the breeding season, the estimated national population of oystercatchers has increased from 2000 birds in 1970-71 to 7000 birds in 2006. This represents a population growth rate of 3.5% per annum. Winter flock counts give lower population estimates and coastal surveys are recommended for future monitoring of this species.

Use of radio telemetry to determine home range and movements of the bellbird (Anthornis melanura) – a feasibility study

Notornis, 57 (2), 63-70

E.B. Spurr; K.M. Borkin; S. Rod (2010)

Article Type: Paper

Radio transmitters were successfully attached to 7 male bellbirds (Anthornis melanura) in Kennedy’s Bush and Cass Peak Reserve, Port Hills, Christchurch, during the breeding season. A hand-held radio receiver was used to re-locate them. In addition, we used a grid of 4 remote continuously-operating proximity sensors (radio receivers connected to data loggers) to measure the home-range size of 1 bellbird (#7). Five of the bellbirds were detected regularly within 60 m of the site where they were captured. The other 2 were always detected at least 100 m away. Two of the 5 regularly detected near their capture location were occasionally detected 400–500 m away, in gullies with flowering flax (Phormium tenax) and kowhai (Sophora microphylla). The full home range (100% MCP) of bellbird #7 was at least 3.7 ha, and its core home range (90% MCP) was at least 0.2 ha. Its night-time roost was near the centre of its home range. First departure from the roost was before sunrise and last arrival about sunset. If used more extensively, radio telemetry would be useful for measuring home ranges and detecting long-range movements of bellbirds.
  1. Pages:
  3. 1
  4. ...
  5. 27
  6. 28
  7. 29
  8. 30
  9. 31
  10. 32
  11. 33
  12. ...
  13. 244